Kindle Consultation

The Kindle Consultation:

Q: What did you learn from the Kindle Experience?
A: Working together to remove barriers can be inspiring.

The members of the Chippewa Valley Aphasia Group showed courage and creativity as they followed their interest to learn about the Kindle. The barriers of cost, new technology and need for assistance were surmounted by group members and staff. In this process CVAG members contributed money, invested time, followed action plans and wrestled with language challenges. Our group learned that we can pursue dreams and possibilities together. In the process we engaged in conversation concerning relevant topics and learned more about one another.

The CVAG owes much to Audrey Holland who suggested the following aphasia group principles:
1) Increase understanding of aphasia (personally and in the community)
2) Make Choices regarding personal activity
3) Gain confidence in communicating and personal activity
4) Practice communication, particularly in conversation.

Our Group summarizes the accomplishments of our Kindle project as follows:

1) Understanding aphasia –
Community awareness of aphasia was increased through our project. Families, Schools,
University students, neighbors, and churches in the Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls area were exposed
to information about life with aphasia through our fund raising activities and Bob’s public speaking
efforts.

Spouses of Test Drivers gained new insight into aphasia as they observed Kindle Coaches and Test Drivers working together. Although technology holds promise to open new opportunities for improved communication, at this time human support is necessary. The coaching approach of mutual, flexible, shared problem solving revealed new partnership perspectives to some spouses. One spouse observed that “thinking aloud” together can be fun and satisfying.

Our group members learned that new things are possible. And that new experiences bring new
ideas.

2)Making choices-
Group members and Test Drivers made choices about confronting barriers to participation
Test Drivers made individual choices about personal action plans and what books/articles to read
Coaches and Test Drivers made individual choices about how to use beneficial technology
Coaches and test drivers engaged in joint planning and decision making, problem solving and
compromise

3) Confidence –
Each test driver experienced some success with reading
The shared experiences between test drivers and Coaches deepened trust and friendship
CVAG staff/volunteers gained confidence as coaches.
Test drivers learned to explore new technology and to get help when needed.
Group members successful experience will provide confidence for trying the next new activity
Test Drivers want to offer meaningful suggestions to Amazon concerning the Kindle

4)Communication practice –
Authentic, meaningful conversations between Coaches and Test Drivers was the best communication practice we could imagine.
All test drivers had the opportunity to practice oral reading, and to discuss the benefits
with Coaches.
Test Drivers and Coaches designed individualized reading rates and schedules
Test Drivers used text –to- speech for listening practice, for review of content and for speaking practice
Two test drivers used audiobooks with regular book text
Test drivers shared opinions and information about what they had read with family and coaches
Test drivers communicated about the device and need for design/ functional improvement with
the group and with Jeff Bezos from Amazon.

The information sources for these listed achievements are: the Kindle
Experience Discussion held on 2/19/2010, review of personal action plans, Kindle
Coach field notes, video and end of test drive interviews.

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